Salina

rade her, her, in front of me, in front of all of New York, as his chosen companion. My stomach churne

amiliar, but the sting was sharper, deeper. He wasn't just ch

ed. Julian, with his immense power and influence, had made sure of it. My brief

in gold script, hit me like a physical blow. It was the anniversary of my mother's death. Julian knew. He had to. He was doing this on purpose, a cold, br

bandaged the cut on my collarbone, the one Julian had inflicted w

sily," he said, his voice neutral. He was simply stating facts, but his words felt like a fresh w

"He knows a lot about me, Doctor," I managed, th

phone buzzed. An anonymous video. My heart hammered

showed Aubrey, much younger, her face tear-streaked and fran

e!" Aubrey screamed, her voice punctuated by sobs. She

it was a trick! She wanted me gone! She tried to push me, David! She tried to push me off the balcony!" Aubrey cried, her words tumbling

n the silent room, a horrifying truth finally screaming it

picture of absolute terror. "Julian! David! You have to he

here. Younger, yes, but unmistakably him. He stood silently,

little demon! My wife, my beautiful wife, you killed her! You murdered her!" he roared, his voice thi

n. Her gaze was desperate, pleading, clinging to him like a lifeline. "Julian? Yo

y entire body rigid. My heart hammered, a frantic drum a

e spoke, his voice was calm, utterly devoid of emotion. "Go

ideo

ng sound that blocked out everything. Julian. My Julian. The man who had held me, comforted me, promi

had actively participated in covering up my mother's murder. Not only that, he ha

had been pushed. And everyo